Quote from fenn68 on August 8, 2020, 2:29 pm

Quote from Brian Connelly on August 8, 2020, 1:35 pm

You reminded me of an opinion I wanted to throw out there....  I don't feel that any "indirectly" affected by Covid team--Philadelphia is the best example-- should be "punished" for playing less than 60 games due to factors beyond their control... BUT I do feel like teams "causing the problem" -- i.e. Miami & St. Louis so far-- SHOULD have to play some minimum # of games to even be considered 'eligible' to qualify for the playoffs.

What should that # be?  I don't know.  50 games?  45?  But Miami or St Louis for example can't inadvertently get "rewarded" for playing only say 39 games, if the spread of Covid in their teaam/clubhouse was the cause behind all the games being missed.   At some point it's a completely non-representative sample, like Miami's 7-1 record is now.

Agree with the concept. For now, MLB intends for all the postponed games to be made up ... and get to the point were every team plays 60 (while finishing at the scheduled end date for the season). With all the double headers and limited days off ... should be real handicap for the MIA / STL teams. Unfortunately, also a bit of a handicap for the teams who have to make up games because of MIA / STL.

If circumstances change (and they may), MLB could very well step in and put in a minimum game requirement. If all don't play 60 (but enough to qualify) winning % seems to be the go to separator.

One option is that if a team does not play the full slate of 60 ... maybe that eliminates them from being seeded as a Division winner or 2nd place finisher .. and then just fall into the wild card chase ... assuming the play enough games to be even considered.

MLB will make this up as the season goes on an they "know" what they have to deal with.

Quote from fenn68 on August 8, 2020, 2:38 pm

Looking as though MLB may have to come to grips with this sooner than later.

STL had this weekend's games postponed and it is now being reported that STL players have been told that they will not assemble for 3-5 days and workout on their own ... next week's series with PITT looks to be postponed.

As the schedule moves to the 20 game mark late next week ... STL may be at 5 games in. Making up 15 or so games by the scheduled season end is maybe possible ... but not likely.

I could see MLB considering unbalancing the "Central" schedule and just have the STL opponents start playing each other to get the other 9 Central teams a full slate. At some point, to they just pull the plug on STL?

 

Quote from MrPadre19 on August 9, 2020, 1:35 pm

My ideal lineup “right now” would be:

Grisham-CF

Pham-LF

Tatis-SS

Machado-3B

Myers-RF

Hosmer-1B

Cronenworth-2B

Hedges/Mejia-C

Olivares-DH

 

Quote from fenn68 on August 9, 2020, 4:58 pm

Everything in perspective .... after years of dwelling near the bottom on MLB in offense ... as of today the Padres are #1 in MLB in OPS (.795). Yes, they have holes, but apparently the other 29 teams are bigger issues to date.

Then looking at ERA ... Padres SP rank #9 in MLB (3.48) .... playoff quality considering the work of Lucchesi dropped them a bit in the ranking AND two of the teams above them are STL (only 5 games) an MIA (10 games) should fall apart later in the season.

RP is lagging with the Padres ranking 23rd in MLB (5.28) but considering most projected the Padres pen to be the strong point and the fact that in recent appearances the pen has firmed up .... I expect them to start a quick climb up the rankings.

Every aspect of teams get hot and cold but so far setting up for the Padres to retain a strong contending challenge.

Quote from MrPadre19 on August 9, 2020, 5:24 pm

Stl. is gonna have to bring some players from Alt site and get going.

Of those reported only C Molina and SS DeJong are starters.

Its to the point where they need to play no matter who is in the lineup rather than keep cancelling.

I know they’re worried about these replacements being infected but it seems they could just keep those who tested positive away from the team until cleared.

 

 

Quote from fenn68 on August 12, 2020, 7:42 am

Sometimes we can't see the forrest because of the trees ... so a step back and look at the wider view of the Padres performance as it relates to other teams vs. looking at individuals might put things into better perspective.

Offensively (something historically foreign to the Padres) is amazingly strong looking at all MLB (30 teams):

#1 in SLG ... #8 in OBP .... net #3 in OPS. Plus #1 in stolen bases.

Pitching (based on ERA) is a split decision:

SP sits at #5 but RP is down at #22 yet that was billed as the strong suit and should improve.

Of course if RP improves can the Padre remain better than expected in offense and SP? So for so good.

Quote from fenn68 on August 12, 2020, 7:52 am

I guess reacting to hot / cold streaks just gets amplified in a short season ... but concerned about the recent lack of productivity from Pham as the #3/#4 hitter. Consider:

July: (30 AB) 267/389/400 .... about what most expected

August (35 AB) 171/293/171 .... quite a drop

Add that he has been DH for two games in favor of Profar in LF just adds a question.

Back to that "short season" thinking in a playoff hunt when every game is critical for seeding ... at what point do the Padres start running out an alternative to Pham (at least in some games)? Shift spot in batting order? Hard to do when the team is winning but a call that at some point has to be made.

Quote from Randy Manese on August 12, 2020, 9:04 am

Slow starts or slumps are a part of baseball and I don't think the Dodgers are going to bench Bellinger soon or the Mets Alonso.  As long as he's hitting the ball hard and getting his walks, not that worried.  He'll move toward his norm soon.  They have shifted his spot in the batting order from time to time and while Tingler has said his arm is okay, he does seem a little sluggish when he has to play the field.  The longer lasting effects of COVID are not completely known so I'm looking to rest him as Tingler has in the field but still keep his bat in the line-up until he shows his body won't allow him to be what we expect him to be.

Quote from Brian Connelly on August 12, 2020, 9:43 am

Tingler sure didn't sound too worried about him.  It sounds like he's hitting the ball well, expected BA much higher, so some small sample bad luck here.  Not hurting OBP, but the lack of power is the most concerning to me.  Still think his abridged ST I AND 2 definitely didn't help...   "New" league and, maybe more importantly, park(s) might be part of it... but he was a Cardinal just a few years ago.

Jury still out...   more reason to not send Olivares down for Mateo.  Have to have 4 OF, with more than 1 CF capable.